Motherhouse unveiled at Mount Carmel Academy

by Macie Capote

By Macie Capote
Clarion Herald

Students at Mount Carmel Academy are now benefiting from years of dedication and effort by the school and the Sisters of Mount Carmel with the reopening of the newly renovated motherhouse. This significant milestone sees the historic building’s halls welcoming students once again, nearly 40 years after its classrooms were last in use.

Mount Carmel commemorated the occasion with a eucharistic celebration and blessing for the newly renovated motherhouse on Oct. 3. Archbishop Gregory Aymond celebrated the Mass in the Mother Thérèse Chevrel Assembly Center. Following the Mass, attendees gathered at the motherhouse for a blessing by Archbishop Aymond, a reception and a tour of the revitalized space.

“It’s a beautiful building that reflects the beauty of God’s love, and it reflects the beauty of those that come here in the spirit of Mount Carmel,” said Archbishop Aymond during the ceremony, highlighting the significance of the motherhouse to the Carmelite community and the school’s identity.

A long history

The motherhouse, originally completed in 1926, previously served as a retirement home for elderly members of the Carmelite order. Once the sisters no longer needed the space, Sister Lawrence Habetz, then congregation president, reached out to administrators at Mount Carmel Academy to discuss how the motherhouse could fulfill the school’s needs.
In July 2019, Mount Carmel Academy acquired the motherhouse and the surrounding land from the sisters, ensuring that the historic three-story building would remain a part of the Carmelite family. The recent renovations are a result of the school’s “Our Sisters’ Legacy” campaign, which was initiated in fall of 2019.

“The purchase of the motherhouse not only preserves the history and legacy of the sisters but also maintains a building that carries layers of stories, memories and the echoes of alumnae who fondly remember their days as students in this magnificent space,” said Mount Carmel’s principal, Beth Ann Simno, in a press release. “Now, future generations will have the opportunity to create new stories and lasting memories, joining all those who have walked these hallowed halls. The motherhouse remains within the Carmelite family and continues to be a beacon of faith and excellence, where Carmelite spirituality is formed, nurtured and lived each day.”

Educational opportunities

The additional room from the motherhouse has also freed up space on the main campus, allowing the school’s STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) curriculum to thrive.

The 29,000-square-foot structure is now housing many new facilities, including six art studios, six religion classrooms, a choral room, a digital music room and a dedicated space for Carmelite archives. A key feature of the renovation is the preservation of the sisters’ original chapel, which now serves as the third chapel on Mount Carmel Academy’s campus.

“There are no words to convey how grateful we are; God is good,” said Simno, as she stood atop the steps of the motherhouse. “We will continue to finish this property and enjoy the goodness of the Lord.”

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